Unaffordable deals trap mortgage prisoners
Home >
All >
Unaffordable deals trap mortgage prisoners
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has been reported to estimate over a quarter of a million homeowners are trapped on mortgage deals because their lenders have become inactive or unable to authorise new products1.
What could change?
Many of these ‘mortgage prisoners’ are no longer able to keep up with repayments, prompting campaigners to reiterate their calls for government action to free the prisoners from unaffordable deals.
After the latest Bank Rate rise, the situation has worsened, especially for those on variable or tracker rates. In total, more than 750,000 households are now at risk of mortgage default, according to the FCA.
1FCA, 2023
As a mortgage is secured against your home or property, it could be repossessed if you do not keep up mortgage repayments. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home.
It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this document is based on our current understanding and can be subject to change without notice and the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. It does not provide individual tailored investment advice and is for guidance only. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK. We cannot assume legal liability for any errors or omissions it might contain. Levels and bases of, and reliefs from, taxation are those currently applying or proposed and are subject to change; their value depends on the individual circumstances of the investor. No part of this document may be reproduced in any manner without prior permission.
The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated. If you withdraw from an investment in the early years, you may not get back the full amount you invested. Changes in the rates of exchange may have an adverse effect on the value or price of an investment in sterling terms if it is denominated in a foreign currency.
Information is based on our understanding of taxation legislation and regulations. Any levels and bases of, and reliefs from, taxation are subject to change.
Tax treatment is based on individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future.
Other Insights of interest
7th January, 2026
FTBs looking to buy in cities
More FTBs are setting their sights on city living, new data reveals1. The analysis compared…
Read full insight
7th January, 2026
Economic Review December 2025
Pace of rate cuts could slow further While the latest set of consumer price statistics…
Read full insight
30th December, 2025
Commercial Property Review – December 2025
Business rate changes announced in Budget In the Autumn Budget 2025, the Chancellor announced changes…
Read full insight
23rd December, 2025
Personal pension age change delays access to savings
A two-year increase in the normal minimum pension age could impact retirement planning for thousands of people. Under current…
Read full insight